Victims of violence in South Sudan have found a graphic way of taking their problems to God. They’re putting details of their suffering down on paper and then nailing the written material to a wooden cross, symbolising the way Christ died for the sins of the world. The action is bringing immediate benefits, according to African Enterprise’s Uganda missions director, Augustine Akimanzi, who was present when it took place at a recent meeting featuring AE’s Peace and Reconciliation program.
“People who’ve suffered enormous prejudice felt they were handing their burdens over to God”, he said. “And as they stood, one by one, sharing their experiences, I could see the weight being lifted from their shoulders”.
The meeting, held in the South Sudan capital, Juba, and organised by AE Kenya, was one of a number designed to equip community leaders with the skills needed to bring peace in areas rocked by years of tribal violence.
“It was immediately obvious to me that the people of South Sudan have been left traumatised by recent conflicts”, Augustine said.
But he believes the AE Kenya missions are making a difference.
“I was greatly impacted by the teaching and I could clearly see that the training has started a genuine process of reconciliation among those in attendance”, he said.
